OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 10: Ototoxicity and Noisehttp://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/2/10
In most cases, hearing loss is the result of exposure to high levels of noise for extended periods of time or as an effect of aging. Although this is found in most situations, hearing can also be damaged by certain chemical agents in pure state, or as a combination. These chemicals can even include parts of drugs used for the treatment of illnesses for which there are no other remedies. Ototoxic chemicals are also found in the workplace, in most occasions as solvents. The effects from these elements are worst when combined with exposure to a high level of noise. This paper examines the effects of these chemicals in isolation or in combination with noise and gives recommendations on how to deal with this problem.OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 10: Ototoxicity and Noise

In most cases, hearing loss is the result of exposure to high levels of noise for extended periods of time or as an effect of aging. Although this is found in most situations, hearing can also be damaged by certain chemical agents in pure state, or as a combination. These chemicals can even include parts of drugs used for the treatment of illnesses for which there are no other remedies. Ototoxic chemicals are also found in the workplace, in most occasions as solvents. The effects from these elements are worst when combined with exposure to a high level of noise. This paper examines the effects of these chemicals in isolation or in combination with noise and gives recommendations on how to deal with this problem.

]]>Ototoxicity and NoiseAlberto Behardoi: 10.3390/ohbm1020010Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2018-12-12Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2018-12-1212Review1010.3390/ohbm1020010http://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/2/10OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 9: The Primary Tumor and Regional Lymph Node Clinical Status of Distant Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinomahttp://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/2/9
Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a squamous cell carcinoma derived from nasopharyngeal epithelium. NPC characteristic is highly invasive and can metastasize rapidly. The presence of distant metastasis is a major factor in determining the patient&amp;rsquo;s management and prognosis. The magnitude of radiologic and molecular costs encouraging the need to know the clinical variables associated with distant metastasis of NPC. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical retrospective studies of undifferentiated NPC (WHO type III) patients at initial diagnosis in the ORL-HNS Department of Dr. Sardjito Hospital Yogyakarta from January 2014 to December 2016. Results: At 276 NPC patients with the ratio of 197 men (71.4%) and 79 women (28.6%) was 2.5:1, mean age 48.5 years, distant metastasis was found in 37 patients (13.4%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of sex (p = 0.346), age (p = 0.784), and primary tumor clinical status (p = 0.297) between NPC with distant metastasis and without distant metastasis. There was significant difference in the frequency of regional lymph node clinical status between NPC with distant metastasis and without distant metastasis (p = 0.004; PR = 3.866). Conclusions: There is no statistically significant difference of primary tumor clinical status between NPC with and without distant metastasis. There is statistically significant difference of lymph node clinical status between NPC with and without distant metastasis.OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 9: The Primary Tumor and Regional Lymph Node Clinical Status of Distant Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a squamous cell carcinoma derived from nasopharyngeal epithelium. NPC characteristic is highly invasive and can metastasize rapidly. The presence of distant metastasis is a major factor in determining the patient&amp;rsquo;s management and prognosis. The magnitude of radiologic and molecular costs encouraging the need to know the clinical variables associated with distant metastasis of NPC. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical retrospective studies of undifferentiated NPC (WHO type III) patients at initial diagnosis in the ORL-HNS Department of Dr. Sardjito Hospital Yogyakarta from January 2014 to December 2016. Results: At 276 NPC patients with the ratio of 197 men (71.4%) and 79 women (28.6%) was 2.5:1, mean age 48.5 years, distant metastasis was found in 37 patients (13.4%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of sex (p = 0.346), age (p = 0.784), and primary tumor clinical status (p = 0.297) between NPC with distant metastasis and without distant metastasis. There was significant difference in the frequency of regional lymph node clinical status between NPC with distant metastasis and without distant metastasis (p = 0.004; PR = 3.866). Conclusions: There is no statistically significant difference of primary tumor clinical status between NPC with and without distant metastasis. There is statistically significant difference of lymph node clinical status between NPC with and without distant metastasis.

]]>The Primary Tumor and Regional Lymph Node Clinical Status of Distant Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal CarcinomaSagung Rai IndrasariKartono SudarmanJessica Fedrianidoi: 10.3390/ohbm1020009Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2018-11-14Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2018-11-1412Article910.3390/ohbm1020009http://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/2/9OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 8: Two Down Syndrome Patients with Bilateral Profound Hearing Loss: Case Report and Literature Reviewhttp://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/2/8
Hearing loss is not uncommon among patients with Down syndrome (DS). It has been reported in 38&amp;ndash;78% of the Down syndrome population. However, profound hearing loss in DS patients is rarely noticed due to its low incidence. In this article, we reported two Down syndrome patients with bilateral profound hearing loss in two cases. The first case involved an eight-year-old DS child experiencing extremely severe defects in terms of language and severe defects in terms of gross motor function, adaptability, and sociability. The second case revolved around another DS child with bilateral cochlear nerve absence. We review literature on the DS patients with hearing loss and conclude that profound sensorineural hearing loss in those patients has not received enough attention so far. We also recommend that cochlear implantation (CI) suitability assessment and timely intervention via cochlear implantation are necessary in DS patients. Besides, benefits from CI would be limited and hearing rehabilitation process could be much slower when compared with children without additional inabilities.OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 8: Two Down Syndrome Patients with Bilateral Profound Hearing Loss: Case Report and Literature Review

Hearing loss is not uncommon among patients with Down syndrome (DS). It has been reported in 38&amp;ndash;78% of the Down syndrome population. However, profound hearing loss in DS patients is rarely noticed due to its low incidence. In this article, we reported two Down syndrome patients with bilateral profound hearing loss in two cases. The first case involved an eight-year-old DS child experiencing extremely severe defects in terms of language and severe defects in terms of gross motor function, adaptability, and sociability. The second case revolved around another DS child with bilateral cochlear nerve absence. We review literature on the DS patients with hearing loss and conclude that profound sensorineural hearing loss in those patients has not received enough attention so far. We also recommend that cochlear implantation (CI) suitability assessment and timely intervention via cochlear implantation are necessary in DS patients. Besides, benefits from CI would be limited and hearing rehabilitation process could be much slower when compared with children without additional inabilities.

]]>Two Down Syndrome Patients with Bilateral Profound Hearing Loss: Case Report and Literature ReviewYu ZhengJuan-Mei YangMeng ZhaoXiao-Qing QianFang-Lu Chidoi: 10.3390/ohbm1020008Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2018-09-18Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2018-09-1812Case Report810.3390/ohbm1020008http://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/2/8OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 7: Role of Autophagy in Auditory System Development and Survivalhttp://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/7
Autophagy is a natural catabolic process of the cell that dismantles the useless or dysfunctional components. Autophagy allows the systematic and the lysosomal-mediated deterioration of cellular organelles. During the embryonic development, autophagy plays a critical role by remodeling the tissue and organs of the body, and the deletion of some of the autophagy related genes results in the defective embryonic development. Inner ear is the most sophisticated organ of the body responsible for the sound perception. In mammalian inner ear, autophagy protects the hair cells (HCs) from drug and noise induced damage. In this review, we particularly discuss how autophagy implicates during the auditory system development in mammals and presents its role in age-related hearing loss. Moreover, we discuss the protecting effects of autophagy after noise and drug induced auditory trauma.OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 7: Role of Autophagy in Auditory System Development and Survival

Autophagy is a natural catabolic process of the cell that dismantles the useless or dysfunctional components. Autophagy allows the systematic and the lysosomal-mediated deterioration of cellular organelles. During the embryonic development, autophagy plays a critical role by remodeling the tissue and organs of the body, and the deletion of some of the autophagy related genes results in the defective embryonic development. Inner ear is the most sophisticated organ of the body responsible for the sound perception. In mammalian inner ear, autophagy protects the hair cells (HCs) from drug and noise induced damage. In this review, we particularly discuss how autophagy implicates during the auditory system development in mammals and presents its role in age-related hearing loss. Moreover, we discuss the protecting effects of autophagy after noise and drug induced auditory trauma.

]]>Role of Autophagy in Auditory System Development and SurvivalZuhong HeQiaojun FangMuhammad WaqasXia WuCheng ChengLi HeYu SunWeijia KongRenjie Chaidoi: 10.3390/ohbm1010007Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2018-04-16Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2018-04-1611Review710.3390/ohbm1010007http://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/7OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 6: Silent Vestibulopathy in Asymmetric Hearing Loss Can Be a Sign of a Cerebellopontine Angle Tumorhttp://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/6
The presence of an ipsilateral cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor should be ruled out in patients with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL). Although many patients with CPA tumors have ipsilateral vestibular hypofunction, some of them do not experience dizziness even with ipsilateral vestibular hypofunction. We analyzed the incidence of CPA tumors among patients with ASNHL without subjective dizziness based on the presence of vestibulopathy. We hypothesized that a patient with silent unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) is more likely to be diagnosed with a CPA tumor. Among 157 subjects who underwent MRI for ASNHL, those who did not have “subjective dizziness” were selected. All subjects underwent hearing and vestibular function tests. UVH was diagnosed if canal paresis ≥ 25%, positive head-shake nystagmus, or gain of head-impulse test &amp;lt; 0.8 were detected. The diameters of the CPA tumors were measured along the petrosal ridge on the axial plane of MRI. Among the enrolled subjects, 44 (28.02%) were diagnosed with a CPA tumor. The 37 patients (84.1%) with a CPA tumor had silent UVH, while only 33 of the 113 patients (29.2%) without a CPA tumor had silent UVH (chi-square test, odds ratio = 12.8, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Silent UVH in patients with ASNHL may be a sign of a CPA tumor.OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 6: Silent Vestibulopathy in Asymmetric Hearing Loss Can Be a Sign of a Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor

The presence of an ipsilateral cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor should be ruled out in patients with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL). Although many patients with CPA tumors have ipsilateral vestibular hypofunction, some of them do not experience dizziness even with ipsilateral vestibular hypofunction. We analyzed the incidence of CPA tumors among patients with ASNHL without subjective dizziness based on the presence of vestibulopathy. We hypothesized that a patient with silent unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) is more likely to be diagnosed with a CPA tumor. Among 157 subjects who underwent MRI for ASNHL, those who did not have “subjective dizziness” were selected. All subjects underwent hearing and vestibular function tests. UVH was diagnosed if canal paresis ≥ 25%, positive head-shake nystagmus, or gain of head-impulse test &amp;lt; 0.8 were detected. The diameters of the CPA tumors were measured along the petrosal ridge on the axial plane of MRI. Among the enrolled subjects, 44 (28.02%) were diagnosed with a CPA tumor. The 37 patients (84.1%) with a CPA tumor had silent UVH, while only 33 of the 113 patients (29.2%) without a CPA tumor had silent UVH (chi-square test, odds ratio = 12.8, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Silent UVH in patients with ASNHL may be a sign of a CPA tumor.

]]>Silent Vestibulopathy in Asymmetric Hearing Loss Can Be a Sign of a Cerebellopontine Angle TumorWoongsang SunwooYung Jin JeonHan Gyeol ParkYoonjae SongJae-Jin SongByung Yoon ChoiJa-Won Koodoi: 10.3390/ohbm1010006Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2018-02-16Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2018-02-1611Article610.3390/ohbm1010006http://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/6OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 5: A Study on the Relationship between the Intelligibility and Quality of Algorithmically-Modified Speech for Normal Hearing Listenershttp://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/5
This study investigates the relationship between the intelligibility and quality of modified speech in noise and in quiet. Speech signals were processed by seven algorithms designed to increase speech intelligibility in noise without altering speech intensity. In three noise maskers, including both stationary and fluctuating noise at two signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), listeners identified keywords from unmodified or modified sentences. The intelligibility performance of each type of speech was measured as the listeners’ word recognition rate in each condition, while the quality was rated as a mean opinion score. In quiet, only the perceptual quality of each type of speech was assessed. The results suggest that when listening in noise, modification performance on improving intelligibility is more important than its potential negative impact on speech quality. However, when listening in quiet or at SNRs in which intelligibility is no longer an issue to listeners, the impact to speech quality due to modification becomes a concern.OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 5: A Study on the Relationship between the Intelligibility and Quality of Algorithmically-Modified Speech for Normal Hearing Listeners

This study investigates the relationship between the intelligibility and quality of modified speech in noise and in quiet. Speech signals were processed by seven algorithms designed to increase speech intelligibility in noise without altering speech intensity. In three noise maskers, including both stationary and fluctuating noise at two signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), listeners identified keywords from unmodified or modified sentences. The intelligibility performance of each type of speech was measured as the listeners’ word recognition rate in each condition, while the quality was rated as a mean opinion score. In quiet, only the perceptual quality of each type of speech was assessed. The results suggest that when listening in noise, modification performance on improving intelligibility is more important than its potential negative impact on speech quality. However, when listening in quiet or at SNRs in which intelligibility is no longer an issue to listeners, the impact to speech quality due to modification becomes a concern.

]]>A Study on the Relationship between the Intelligibility and Quality of Algorithmically-Modified Speech for Normal Hearing ListenersYan TangChristopher ArnoldTrevor J. Coxdoi: 10.3390/ohbm1010005Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2017-12-08Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2017-12-0811Article510.3390/ohbm1010005http://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/5OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 4: Head and Neck Paraganglioma: Medical Assessment, Management, and Literature Updatehttp://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/4
Head and neck paraganglioma (HNPGL) are rare, highly vascular; typically slow growing and mostly benign neoplasms arising from paraganglia cells. HNPGL cause morbidity via mass effect on adjacent structures (particularly the cranial nerves), invasion of the skull base and, rarely, catecholamine secretion with associated systemic effects. The last decade has seen significant progress in the understanding of HNPGL genetics, with pertinent implications for diagnostic assessment and management of patients and their relatives. The implicated genes code for three of the five subunits of mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH); recent literature reports that approximately one third of all HNPGL are associated with SDH mutations—a prevalence significantly greater than traditionally thought. There are distinct phenotypical syndromes associated with mutations in each individual SDH subunit (SDHD, SDHB, SDHC, and SDHAF2). This article focuses on the clinical features of HNPGL, the implications of HNPGL genetics, and the current evidence relating to optimal identification, investigation, and management options in HNPGL, which are supported by reference to a personal series of 60 cases. HNPGL require a systematic and thorough assessment to appropriately guide management decisions, and a suggested algorithm is presented in this article. Recent developments are particularly pertinent to surgeons of multiple disciplines, including otolaryngology, neurosurgery, vascular, and general surgery.OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 4: Head and Neck Paraganglioma: Medical Assessment, Management, and Literature Update

Head and neck paraganglioma (HNPGL) are rare, highly vascular; typically slow growing and mostly benign neoplasms arising from paraganglia cells. HNPGL cause morbidity via mass effect on adjacent structures (particularly the cranial nerves), invasion of the skull base and, rarely, catecholamine secretion with associated systemic effects. The last decade has seen significant progress in the understanding of HNPGL genetics, with pertinent implications for diagnostic assessment and management of patients and their relatives. The implicated genes code for three of the five subunits of mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH); recent literature reports that approximately one third of all HNPGL are associated with SDH mutations—a prevalence significantly greater than traditionally thought. There are distinct phenotypical syndromes associated with mutations in each individual SDH subunit (SDHD, SDHB, SDHC, and SDHAF2). This article focuses on the clinical features of HNPGL, the implications of HNPGL genetics, and the current evidence relating to optimal identification, investigation, and management options in HNPGL, which are supported by reference to a personal series of 60 cases. HNPGL require a systematic and thorough assessment to appropriately guide management decisions, and a suggested algorithm is presented in this article. Recent developments are particularly pertinent to surgeons of multiple disciplines, including otolaryngology, neurosurgery, vascular, and general surgery.

]]>Head and Neck Paraganglioma: Medical Assessment, Management, and Literature UpdateNathan HaywardVincent Cousinsdoi: 10.3390/ohbm1010004Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2017-12-08Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2017-12-0811Article410.3390/ohbm1010004http://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/4OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 3: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hearing Losshttp://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/3
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays important roles in coordinating protein biosynthesis and secretion in the cell. Accumulation of misfolded and/or unfolded proteins in the ER causes ER stress and the so-called unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR alleviates ER stress through blocking protein synthesis and activating expression of chaperone genes, whereas prolonged UPR could induce cell death. Recent research has showed that ER stress and UPR are involved in hearing loss. Accordingly, animal experiments showed that chemical chaperones or ER stress inducers alleviate environment-related hearing loss, whereas ER stress inhibitor has been used to treat certain types of hereditary deafness. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the detailed mechanisms of how ER stress contributes to the loss of auditory function, which will help us to eventually develop ER-stress-related treatment of various types of deafness.OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 3: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hearing Loss

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays important roles in coordinating protein biosynthesis and secretion in the cell. Accumulation of misfolded and/or unfolded proteins in the ER causes ER stress and the so-called unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR alleviates ER stress through blocking protein synthesis and activating expression of chaperone genes, whereas prolonged UPR could induce cell death. Recent research has showed that ER stress and UPR are involved in hearing loss. Accordingly, animal experiments showed that chemical chaperones or ER stress inducers alleviate environment-related hearing loss, whereas ER stress inhibitor has been used to treat certain types of hereditary deafness. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the detailed mechanisms of how ER stress contributes to the loss of auditory function, which will help us to eventually develop ER-stress-related treatment of various types of deafness.

]]>Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hearing LossYanfei WangXiangguo LiuZhigang Xudoi: 10.3390/ohbm1010003Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2017-11-01Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2017-11-0111Review310.3390/ohbm1010003http://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/3OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 2: Effects of Retinoid Treatment on Cochlear Development, Connexin Expression and Hearing Thresholds in Micehttp://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/2
Mutations in GJB2, gene coding for connexin 26 (Cx26), and GJB6, gene coding for connexin 30 (Cx30), are the most common genetic defects causing non-syndromic hereditary hearing loss. We previously reported that overexpression of Cx26 completely rescues the hearing in a mouse model of human GJB6 null mutations. The results suggest that therapeutic agents up-regulating the expression of Cx26 may potentially be a novel treatment for non-syndromic hereditary deafness caused by Cx30 null mutations. Retinoids are a family of vitamin A derivatives that exert broad and profound effects on cochlear protein expression including connexins. They are readily available and already utilized as therapeutic agents for recurrent otitis media and hearing loss due to noise exposure. In this study, we characterized the expression of Cx26 and Cx30 in the postnatal inner ear by different retinoids including retinyl palmitate (RP), the main source of vitamin A in over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, retinyl acetate (RAc) which is an isomer of RP, and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), the most active retinoid derivative. The results revealed ATRA significantly increased cochlear Cx26 expression and improved hearing in Cx30 knockout (KO) mice by 10 dB suggesting its potential benefits as a therapeutic agent. In contrast, RP selectively reduced cochlear Cx30 expression and did not improve hearing thresholds at the dosages we tested.OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 2: Effects of Retinoid Treatment on Cochlear Development, Connexin Expression and Hearing Thresholds in Mice

Mutations in GJB2, gene coding for connexin 26 (Cx26), and GJB6, gene coding for connexin 30 (Cx30), are the most common genetic defects causing non-syndromic hereditary hearing loss. We previously reported that overexpression of Cx26 completely rescues the hearing in a mouse model of human GJB6 null mutations. The results suggest that therapeutic agents up-regulating the expression of Cx26 may potentially be a novel treatment for non-syndromic hereditary deafness caused by Cx30 null mutations. Retinoids are a family of vitamin A derivatives that exert broad and profound effects on cochlear protein expression including connexins. They are readily available and already utilized as therapeutic agents for recurrent otitis media and hearing loss due to noise exposure. In this study, we characterized the expression of Cx26 and Cx30 in the postnatal inner ear by different retinoids including retinyl palmitate (RP), the main source of vitamin A in over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, retinyl acetate (RAc) which is an isomer of RP, and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), the most active retinoid derivative. The results revealed ATRA significantly increased cochlear Cx26 expression and improved hearing in Cx30 knockout (KO) mice by 10 dB suggesting its potential benefits as a therapeutic agent. In contrast, RP selectively reduced cochlear Cx30 expression and did not improve hearing thresholds at the dosages we tested.

]]>Effects of Retinoid Treatment on Cochlear Development, Connexin Expression and Hearing Thresholds in MiceYeunjung KimXi Lindoi: 10.3390/ohbm1010002Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2017-10-23Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine2017-10-2311Article210.3390/ohbm1010002http://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/2OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 1: Welcome to Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicinehttp://www.mdpi.com/2504-463X/1/1/1
To date, much progress has been achieved in the field of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck surgery, as well as hearing and balance science and medicine.[...]OHBM, Vol. 1, Pages 1: Welcome to Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine